Cosmetology school vs college?

Jul 23, 2014

Jasmine A.

What do you think is better? I alreasy planned on going to college and I got accepted but now I'm having second thoughts. literally none of the majors listed interests me. but I know I like makeup.

Jul 23, 2014

Dy D.

College. now a days, the job market is crazy and even having an undergrad degree now is the equivalent of an HS diploma a couple years ago - _-

I would say go to college and then pursue cosmetology school. I don't know but maybe it's possible to complete it little by little? (like every summer you're home from college) someone who's gone to cosmetology school, help me out.

Jul 23, 2014

Dy D.

Also, you don't have to pick a major right away! Take gen ed classes, your first year and see what interests you!

Jul 23, 2014

Chelle D.

College! I was in college my first 3 years without a major. Now I'm in nursing school :) college is so worth it!

Jul 23, 2014

Z M.

Definitely college!!

Jul 23, 2014

Emily W.

College first. If you know you want to be a makeup artist or otherwise involved in managing your own career, take business classes. Get a solid foundation of skills that will benefit you in any career you choose, far into the future. Ten years from now you may decide you don't want to pursue beauty anymore, and you will need a secondary skill set to utilize. College never hurts, especially if you are careful about managing your finances (apply for scholarships, learn about borrowing and how to minimize debt). Even student loans can be a good thing if you pay them off on time, as it will help build your credit score.

If you aren't completely sure, perhaps look into attending a community college first. You can work on an associates degree and later transfer to a university to finish a bachelors. Many colleges offer online or combined online/on ground programs, if traditional lecture-based education doesn't suit you.

Jul 23, 2014

CPT- Lili R.

Do what you are passionate about if that college dosent have what you want look into another one.

Jul 23, 2014

Jasmine A.

I was thinking about opening my own salon in a different country. I live in America, but I also have family in the middle east. I know I could easily open a salon there, be successful and make lots of money. All I'd have to do is learn Arabic though. so I might take a gap year to stay there and fully learn the language.

Jul 23, 2014

Emily W.

I would still suggest learning business skills. Things like management and accounting, which will be necessary if you plan to own your own business.

Jul 23, 2014

Dorothea S.

Definitely College first. I was in the same boat as you Jasmine, but like all the other girls have said having at least some degree behind you is better than none and makes you look more credible than just having your cosmetology license. The main reason I think for that is that with a diploma you don't need to renew it, once youve got it, youve got it for life versus with your cosmo license youll have to get renewed every few years or however long it requires. If youre really deadset on not going to a 4 year college, at least try out a community college where you can get a 2 year associates degree in business and/or management. If youre willing to give college a try, definitely try out gen. Ed. Courses and wait until you find something you like, if not definitely go a different route. Its my third year in college and only now did I find something that I have my heart dead set on, and I swore up and down that I was going to drop out because there was nothing I liked. :)

Jul 23, 2014

Madi O.

I completely agree on going to college first. I love the idea of opening a salon but not only are you going to need to learn the language (which you can do in college) but you also definitely need to know business. Your salon will never thrive if you don't learn how to properly manage and take care of finances. I would go to college and take business courses and then learn cosmetology to get the most success when you open your shop! It might be extra work but it will pay off when you have a great salon with no issues!

Jul 23, 2014

Dy D.

If you want to open up a business I'd deff suggest getting a finance/ buisiness/accounting degree.
Going to cosmetology school won't help you with opening your own salon. :(

I know this point in time life is hard and stressful. If you have any questions/ideas on what you want to do, I and I'm sure everyone on the thread who answered will be willing to help!

I'm also going into my third year and just stated my major lol.

Jul 23, 2014

Maggie S.

I'm going to be 100% real here and say, not everyone has to go to college. Honestly, if you wanna start a salon, you should take buisness classes, but you don't really need a degree. Hairstylists make decent money, but it won't be that decent if your paying back huge student loans.

Jul 23, 2014

Caitlin M.

I agree, college first. I am in a situation now where I sort of regret going to effects school instead of getting a "real career." The arts are fun when you're able to make money from your craft, but when a dry spell pops up, and it usually will unless you are in an area where there is a high demand for it (and even those can be hard because it's where everyone goes to look for work so it can be hard to set yourself apart) it sucks because there are still bills to pay and not enough work to make ends meet. I wish I had gone and got a secondary form of work BEFORE pursuing my art stuff. I have a degree from my program but really it doesn't mean much. I might as well be self taught as far as beauty makeup goes so I don't really feel like my degree gets me much yet.

Jul 23, 2014

Lara C.

College. I was accepted into beauty school and college and I figured college is best for now. beauty school takes a year and I still might do it after. since I have the time better go to school. I wasnt even interested in college and now I'm super passionate about what I'm studying.

Jul 23, 2014

Lara C.

Try and get a degree in business if you want to own a salon.

Jul 23, 2014

Wanjiru M.

I'd advise you to choose college first. It really opens up your mind and you get to learn skills that will definitely be handy in the future. I was also in the same situation. I really wanted to go to cosmetology school first but am glad I am doing my degree now. It will be of great help later on.

Jul 23, 2014

Caitriona H.

I'm going to go against the majority and say don't get yourself into debt for the sake of it. Take a year out and work and part time study or something but don't go to college because you feel you're obligated and end up dropping with a lovely huge student loan to pay for. If it was any other country I would say go to college, but the price of US college? I'd rather work in retail for a while while you figure things out than jump into something you're not interested in.

Jul 23, 2014

Lara C.

I guess I see caitrionas point. here, school is really inexpensive so I'm not considering that. if you're certain about cosmetology then you should go for it. but don't stop looking into schools!

Jul 23, 2014

Lara C.

Inexpensive here** I'm not considering how expensive it is in usa.

Jul 23, 2014

Caitriona H.

Same here, one of the most expensive schools in my country is 7,000 max (18,000 Non-eu member). An education is very inexpensive over here and most people (including me) get paid every month to attend a college. Thats why I said if it was any other country I would say do it, but when tuitions are anywhere from 8,000 to 100,000 over there it just doesn't seem worth it to me to pay that when you're unsure.
I agree though, don't stop looking, but taking a year out wouldn't kill you and the year might make all the difference maturity wise for you to better understand what you would like to do.

Jul 23, 2014

Caitlin M.

Okay I definitely do agree with Caitriona. I didn't even think of that when I was initially responding but I agree. I would only do college immediately after if you really feel like you know what you want to do. I would go out and experience the world a bit before attending college. I find that I have different interests now and that if given the choice I would choose something different to go to school for. Makeup is still my passion and I still would like to have it as a full time position as often as possible but I wish I had a better fall back and currently I really don't and it can be very frustrating. Caitriona also makes a fantastic point about loan debt. It is not fun and the way things are looking here in the You.S. (I don't know where you are in the world lol so you may know this all already) there are more and more graduates every day that can't find jobs after college. College can be super helpful or just a burden. I guess my main point was find a fall back and establish that before makeup artistry. Basically take your time even though you may feel pressured. I didn't necessarily feel pressured but I did feel like me going to effects school was my only option, both financially (I didn't know how we were going to afford a typical university, we couldn't get financial aid because my family makes just enough that we didn't qualify...go figure.) and because at the time I felt it was the only thing I had potential to do. Now I wish I had chosen something else and had taken my time deciding. I wish I had secured a more stable position first that's for sure.

Jul 23, 2014

Emily W.

Schools here don't have to be that expensive, especially if you are using it as a stepping stone to a career in cosmetology. Getting a bachelors in business from a state college, after applying for financial aid and scholarships, doesn't have to cost a ridiculous sum. You don't need to go to Harvard Business School, the lessons and skills are going to be the same at the local college.

Also, student loans aren't something to be scared of. If you do your research and understand how to borrow only what you need, devise a payment schedule that will minimize your interest, and work while going to school while finding ways to cut living expenses, you can pay off the debt shortly after graduation in many cases. I builds your credit score without the temptation from using credit cards, which is a really good thing because establishing good credit will be critical to start a business in the future.

Definitely apply for as many scholarships as you can. Fill out the FAFSA, apply for grants. Start a savings account, and get started with good financial habits that will help your future.

College can require a lot of sacrifice. It won't necessarily be easy, or "the best time of your life" like some people say. If you get discouraged, think of it as a means to an end. I have this degree: it shows I can work hard (as if anyone needed proof but if they do then HERE), it comes with knowledge and practical skills that I will use every day no matter what career I choose, and it opens doors for my future. Again, should you choose a path outside of beauty later, many fields require a degree even at entry level positions.

There is no shame in quitting college if you do decide that it absolutely will not work for you. However, I do encourage investigating other modalities to finishing a degree (online, part time, etc.) because it really does benefit you. While it isn't necessary, and plenty of people have done well without a degree, it is another thing in your arsenal to provide opportunities. Also, the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be if you do decide to get a degree later.

Best of luck with whatever you choose! You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders (the fact that you are researching instead of just blindly going through with things because that's just what people do shows some maturity).

Jul 24, 2014

Caitriona H.

I get and agree with a lot of your points :) I was just offering her an alternative option and saying its ok to take time to figure out what you want and not to take out loans for something she wasn't committed to.
I took a year out to work, save and learn about life and although I'm really excited about going back in a month it was the best thing I ever did.
You're smart though Jasmine, just research and think things through and you'll know what's best for you :)

Jul 24, 2014

Jasmine A.

Oh my gosh. I was not expecting this many helpful responses. Thank you all so much!!